Blog Postshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog-old/201305
enDecember in the Japanese Gardenhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/december-japanese-garden
<p>The name of the Japanese Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens, 松風園 Sho-Fu-En, means ‘The garden of pine and wind’ and was inspired by the Rocky Mountain wilderness. </p>
<p>During our growing season, we often think of evergreens as a background to colorful flowers and leaves. Winter precedes the vivid colors of spring and summer which then fade away in the fall. Now the evergreens become the focus in the Japanese Garden as most plants go dormant until next spring.</p>December 7, 2016 - 8:34amEbi Kondohttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/december-japanese-gardenYour Holiday Shopping Can Benefit the Gardenshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/your-holiday-shopping-can-benefit-gardens
<p>Denver Botanic Gardens is honored to be the 2016 recipient of Neiman Marcus Denver’s Love to Give Collection. </p>
<p>Between now and December 24, do your holiday shopping at Neiman Marcus Denver, located at 3030 East 1st Ave. in Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and a portion of anything you purchase from the <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Love-to-Give/cat55920773_cat000672_/c.cat?navid=redirect:lovetogive" target="_blank">Love to Give</a> Collection goes to the Gardens. </p>December 6, 2016 - 9:10amDevelopment Departmenthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/your-holiday-shopping-can-benefit-gardensColorado Gives Day is December 6http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/colorado-gives-day-december-6
<p>Colorado’s largest one-day online giving event is here!</p>
<p>Your gift to the Gardens Fund on Colorado Gives Day provides important support for our core programs, including spectacular horticultural displays, research, conservation and world-class art exhibitions.</p>December 6, 2016 - 8:40amDevelopment Departmenthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/colorado-gives-day-december-6Save An Additional 25% at The Shop’s Pre-Holiday Sale!http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/save-additional-25-shop%25E2%2580%2599s-pre-holiday-sale
<p>Who needs the mall and waiting in line for generic gifts when you’ve got The Shop at the Gardens! A longtime favorite shopping destination for members, neighbors and gift seekers alike, The Shop is your one-stop-holiday-shop. Now, to make shopping with us extra sweet, we’ve marked down everything at our tent sale <strong>(which was already marked down 30%-50% off) an additional 25% off!</strong> And as always, members also get an additional 10% off.</p>December 1, 2016 - 11:43amSean Mahoneyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/save-additional-25-shop%E2%80%99s-pre-holiday-saleThe Shop at the Gardens Pre-Holiday Sale Starts Nov. 10http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/shop-gardens-pre-holiday-sale-starts-nov-10
<p>We know what you’re thinking, “Holiday shopping? I’m still wearing shorts!” But despite the sunny Colorado weather, the days are flying by and the holidays are just around the corner. Lucky for you, the Shop at the Gardens is having a special pre-holiday tent sale filled with goodies for every person on your list.</p>
<p>Starting Nov. 10, all items under our tent will be marked down <strong>30–50 percent off the original price</strong>. And, as always, members get their <strong>10 percent discount </strong>on top of that! Some of the gift-worthy items at incredibly low prices include:</p>November 9, 2016 - 9:09amSean Mahoneyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/shop-gardens-pre-holiday-sale-starts-nov-10End-of-Season Edible Garden Practiceshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/end-season-edible-garden-practices
<p>We think of fall as the time when the fun of gardening ends for the year; but fall is the best gardening season to be active. Enjoy end-of-season vegetable gardening maintenance practices with these tips:</p>November 7, 2016 - 2:04pmEbi Kondohttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/end-season-edible-garden-practicesAutumn at Denver Botanic Gardenshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/autumn-denver-botanic-gardens
<p>We all have favorite seasons. Mine has always been autumn, probably because it’s the time of year I wish would last twice as long. Everything seems mature in the plant world and determined to go out in a blaze of glory.</p>
<p><img alt="Japanese Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/japanese_garden.jpg" style="height:399px; width:600px" /></p>October 1, 2016 - 2:00pmBrian Vogthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/autumn-denver-botanic-gardensTour the new Steppe Gardenhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/tour-new-steppe-garden
<p>Welcome to the Steppe Garden. This unique garden showcases plants from steppe regions of the world. The featured steppe regions and associated continents are:</p>September 23, 2016 - 1:51pmMike Bonehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/tour-new-steppe-gardenTop Six Reasons to Take a Tour at the Gardens http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/top-six-reasons-take-tour-gardens
<p>By taking a tour – be it an overview of the Gardens, a specific botanic theme or behind-the-scenes info on an art exhibition – you can check off all these goals on your list! </p>September 20, 2016 - 4:38pmKarina Naborshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/top-six-reasons-take-tour-gardensWhat is the Scientific &amp; Cultural Facilities District (SCFD)?http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/what-scientific-cultural-facilities-district-scfd
<p><a href="https://www.cpr.org/news/newsbeat/governor-approves-changes-denver-area-cultural-tax-bill-heads-ballot" target="_blank"><img alt="Hickenlooper puts SCFD renewal on November ballot" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/hickenlooper_puts_scfd_renewal_on_november_ballot.jpg" style="height:280px; width:600px" /></a></p>September 19, 2016 - 9:01amBrian Vogthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/what-scientific-cultural-facilities-district-scfdEnd of the Season Sale http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/end-season-sale
<p><strong>Pots, Statuary and Fountains 30% Off! Now through Sunday, Sept. 25 - </strong>Summer is nearly gone which means it’s time for The Shop at The Gardens annual outdoor sale! Along with shorter days and cooler temperatures comes one of The Shop’s most anticipated sales events. Starting today, all outdoor pots, statuary, fountains, planters and plaques are at least 30% off. If you have had your eye on one of our outdoor items all summer long, now is your chance to pick it up at a really great price. Just a few of the treasures you’ll find outside include:</p>September 16, 2016 - 9:34amSean Mahoneyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/end-season-saleButterflies at Chatfieldhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/butterflies-chatfield
<p>Enjoy the last few days of <a href="http://www.botanicgardens.org/chatfield-farms/butterflies-chatfield">Butterflies at Chatfield</a>. Sunday, Sept. 25 is the last day the exhibit will be open this year at Chatfield Farms. The exhibit is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily (last entry at 3 p.m.).</p>
<p>As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, the residents of Butterflies at Chatfield put on a grand finale display before winter. The plants are at their peak and eight species of native butterflies can be found gliding from flower to flower in search of sweet nectar.</p>September 9, 2016 - 3:33pmAngie Jewetthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/butterflies-chatfieldRocky Mountain Bonsai Society Show &amp; Salehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/rocky-mountain-bonsai-society-show-sale
<p>The 2016 Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society’s 47th annual show promises to be a very special event.</p>
<p>Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.<br />
Sunday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.</p>
<p>This show will be presented like an art gallery. Bonsai will be featured on individual pedestals and small island tables will draw you from one tree to the next in a setting that, as far as we know, has never been seen in this country before.</p>August 22, 2016 - 1:57pmLarry Jackelhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/rocky-mountain-bonsai-society-show-saleHaiku Contest Winnershttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/haiku-contest-winners
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/cherry-blossom-1318258_640.jpg" style="height:300px; width:581px" /></p>
<p>A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Helen Fowler Library’s first haiku contest!</p>
<p>Congratulations to our first place winner, John Deaton of Redding, CA.</p>
<p><em>Clear cold mountain streams<br />
Cascade to the restless sea<br />
Dark clouds thundering</em></p>
<p>Second place goes to Linda Maich of Denver, CO.</p>August 11, 2016 - 2:53pmKelly Brookshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/haiku-contest-winnersChristmas in July? Try January. http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/christmas-july-try-january
<p><img alt="Blossoms of Light" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/7.6.16_blossoms_of_light.jpg" style="height:384px; width:600px" /></p>July 6, 2016 - 10:18amSpecial Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/christmas-july-try-januaryHaiku Contest at the Helen Fowler Libraryhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/haiku-contest-helen-fowler-library
<p>Do you delight in William Wordsworth’s famous ode to daffodils? </p>
<p>Do you swoon when reading Walt Whitman’s assertion that, “a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars, and the pismire is equally perfect…”? </p>
<p>If you’re a fellow poetry lover, please visit the <a href="http://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/helen-fowler-library">Helen Fowler Library’s</a> new Poetry Corner, where members and staff are invited to share and dialogue about their favorite nature- or garden-themed poems.</p>June 30, 2016 - 10:06amKelly Brookshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/haiku-contest-helen-fowler-libraryMount Goliath – Nature’s Weathered Beauty http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/mount-goliath-%25E2%2580%2593-nature%25E2%2580%2599s-weathered-beauty
<p>Mount Goliath, the northern shoulder of Mount Evans, located within the Arapaho National Forest, takes my breath away each time I visit. Denver Botanic Gardens has been offering free guided hikes of the M. Walter Pesman Trail for many years.</p>
June 22, 2016 - 8:36amSarada Krishnanhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/mount-goliath-%E2%80%93-nature%E2%80%99s-weathered-beautyFamily Fun Night: Pollination Partyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/family-fun-night-pollination-party
<p>Families are invited to join us on <strong>Saturday, June 25, 2016 </strong>to celebrate the wonderful world of pollinators that buzz, fly and flutter plant seeds and pollen to and fro <strong>from 5:30-8:30 p.m</strong>. This event coincides with National Pollinator Week.</p>
<p>Family Fun Nights provide families with the opportunity to explore Mordecai Children’s Garden after hours. You can bring a picnic dinner and light snacks will be provided by Chipotle and Froozer.</p>
<p>Here are all the cool things you and the kiddos can do:</p>June 21, 2016 - 2:28pmMelissa Gulahttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/family-fun-night-pollination-partyPollinator Week is here! http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/pollinator-week-here
<p>Appreciate the big clumsy bumblebees the size of your thumb and swallowtail butterflies gracefully flying through the trees. Oh! And don’t forget about the hummingbirds. They are pollinators too!</p>June 20, 2016 - 2:16pmEfrain Lealhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/pollinator-week-hereThe Shop at the Gardens giant tent salehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/shop-gardens-giant-tent-sale
<p>It’s that time of year again! The highly anticipated Shop at the Gardens tent sale started on May 20. This annual sale features one-of-a-kind and highly coveted items fans have come to expect from The Shop.</p>
<p>Everything under the tent is <strong>30-50% off, plus 10% if you’re a member of the Gardens</strong>! If there’s something you’ve had your eye on for months, chances are really good it’s now on sale.</p>
<p><img alt="The Shop at the Gardens" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/tent_sale.jpg" style="height:532px; width:404px" /></p>May 19, 2016 - 11:48amSean Mahoneyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/shop-gardens-giant-tent-saleThe Iris are beginning to bloom at Chatfield Farmshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/iris-are-beginning-bloom-chatfield-farms
<p>The historical Iris Garden was installed in fall 2015, and is the newest garden at <a href="http://www.botanicgardens.org/chatfield-farms">Chatfield Farms</a>. The collection includes nearly 400 varieties of Iris that were introduced to the nursery trade over several centuries; some as long ago as 1597! Many are award-winning varieties that are held in high esteem among Iris enthusiasts for their significance in the long history of Iris breeding.</p>May 9, 2016 - 3:13pmAngie Jewetthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/iris-are-beginning-bloom-chatfield-farmsLiterature of the Land Spring Book Clubhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/literature-land-spring-book-club
<p>Have you ever wanted to visit the library after it’s closed? Are you interested in an informal book club at Denver Botanic Gardens? Do you want to discuss timely scientific topics in a casual setting? Any, or all, are excellent reasons to join the Literature of the Land Book Club! </p>May 2, 2016 - 1:51pmRory O'Connor-Walstonhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/literature-land-spring-book-clubWarm up this weekend with Family Fun at the Gardens!http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/warm-weekend-family-fun-gardens
<p>Looking for a fun indoor activity for the whole family this weekend? Join the Gardens in celebrating Children’s Day on<strong> Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.</strong></p>April 26, 2016 - 5:24pmMelissa Gulahttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/warm-weekend-family-fun-gardensPlants for sale! Plants for sale!http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/plants-sale-plants-sale
<p>Each spring for over 65 years, Denver Botanic Gardens has hosted a sale of plants, seeds, bulbs and garden supplies. Hundreds of volunteers and staff members commit their time to selecting plant varieties ranging from the very common to the very obscure for Front Range residents to purchase. </p>April 26, 2016 - 9:54amSpecial Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/plants-sale-plants-salePlanning a party? Save up to 25% this summer!http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/planning-party-save-25-summer
<p><img alt="Woodland Mosaic" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/woodland_mosaic_teaser_and_body_image_2.jpg" style="height:236px; width:355px" /></p>
<p>Every day, we see a little more sunshine in the evenings, and we can’t help but get excited for the approaching summer. The Gardens truly shows their colors during the summer months, and we’d love to help you celebrate with your friends and loved ones this summer.</p>April 21, 2016 - 12:57pmSpecial Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/planning-party-save-25-summerOff the Clock: Vintage Victorianhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/clock-vintage-victorian
<p>Pick up your parasol and polish your monocle! Learn about the iconic age of botany at our third Off the Clock event. Vintage Victorian will take place from<strong> 6-10 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016</strong>. Come dressed in your best Victorian attire, whether it’s classical, gothic or steampunk. This event caters to all!</p>March 25, 2016 - 11:00amSpecial Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/clock-vintage-victorianGreat Horned Owl Sighting at Chatfield Farmshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/great-horned-owl-sighting-chatfield-farms
<p><img alt="Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) at Chatfield Farms" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/great-horned-owl-bubo-virginianus.jpg" style="height:400px; width:400px" /></p>February 19, 2016 - 3:34pmLarry Vickermanhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/great-horned-owl-sighting-chatfield-farms 2016 Tree Diversity Conference - Design with more tree types!http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/2016-tree-diversity-conference-design-more-tree-types
<p>For the third year, Denver Botanic Gardens is joining with the <a href="http://www.du.edu/arboretum" target="_blank">Chester M. Alter Arboretum of the University of Denver</a> and Denver City Forestry to stage a symposium on Tree Diversity. This year’s symposium will focus on the design of city plantings: how to pick the right tree for our difficult high plains conditions and the proper planting sites.</p>February 18, 2016 - 10:52amPanayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/2016-tree-diversity-conference-design-more-tree-typesYour Chance to Win Two Concert Tickets!http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/your-chance-win-two-concert-tickets
<p><img alt="Colorado Garden &amp; Home Show - Tulips" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/colorado_garden_home_show_sq_1.jpg" style="height:300px; margin:5px; width:300px" /></p>February 3, 2016 - 11:27amDoris Boardmanhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/your-chance-win-two-concert-ticketsModern Farmer magazine http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/modern-farmer-magazine
<p>There’s a new serial in town! <em>Modern Farmer</em>, our newest magazine, has just arrived at the <a href="http://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/helen-fowler-library">Helen Fowler Library</a> (located in the Boettcher Center across from the bathrooms). If you’re one of those people who wishes they could just sell everything and buy a little hobby farm in the country (obviously I am one such person), then this is the read for you.</p>January 28, 2016 - 4:22pmErin Wolffhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/modern-farmer-magazineDistance Learning Opportunities in Arlington, VAhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/distance-learning-opportunities-arlington-va
<div>Since 2011, we have included a distance learning option in our School of Botanical Art and Illustration curriculum at Denver Botanic Gardens. This option has been a hybrid (in-class/off-site) model in which we combine classroom participation with remote online learning. We believe that even though teaching through video can be effective, the personal contact between instructor and students and concentrated one-on-one tutoring followed by number of Internet sessions provides a stronger learning experience.</div>
<div> </div>January 19, 2016 - 10:37amMervi Hjelmroos-Koskihttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/distance-learning-opportunities-arlington-vaNew Event Series: Off the Clockhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/new-event-series-clock
<p>On the heels of a record-breaking year for Blossoms of Light, the Events Department is thrilled to announce a brand-new event series kicking off the first weekend of February: Off the Clock!</p>
<p>Join us for the first Friday night of February, March, and April for themed evenings featuring live entertainment, hands-on activities, cash bars and the lush warmth and beauty of our indoor Gardens spaces. With a different theme each month, this series offers something for everyone.</p>January 15, 2016 - 12:54pmSpecial Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/new-event-series-clockSeedlings Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlershttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/seedlings-classes-preschoolers-and-toddlers
<p>It’s never too early to discover the wonders of nature! There are still spaces available in our winter and early spring Seedlings Classes. Seedlings classes offer our youngest visitors (ages 18 months to six years) the opportunity to explore, discover and create alongside their caregivers and peers in the safe and nurturing environment of the Morrison Discovery Greenhouse and Mordecai Children’s Garden.</p>January 6, 2016 - 10:02amJennifer Ackershttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/seedlings-classes-preschoolers-and-toddlersPlan Ahead Nowhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/plan-ahead-now
<p><strong>Book a 2016 Blossoms of Light holiday party today!</strong></p>
<p>Break out of the traditional holiday party mold and leave the restaurant banquet room behind – give your guests a truly illuminating end-of-year celebration at Denver Botanic Gardens during our signature holiday event, Blossoms of Light.</p>December 8, 2015 - 12:00amSpecial Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/plan-ahead-nowIcelandic Beginning: Columbines and Poppieshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/icelandic-beginning-columbines-and-poppies
<p>This past year I was the recipient of a Chanticleer Garden Scholarship awarded to professionals in Public Gardening, in my case to do a floristic and cultural comparison of two mountains in Greece and Turkey which have both been called Mount Olympus in past centuries. As often occurs, I encountered some wonderful things en route that are well worth sharing…in my case, a stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland on my way to Europe.</p>December 4, 2015 - 12:00amPanayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/icelandic-beginning-columbines-and-poppiesThe Turnip and Halloween: A Surprising Pairhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/turnip-and-halloween-surprising-pair
<p>Carved pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns are a familiar decoration during the Halloween season. It brings our attention to mid-autumn and the upcoming winter.</p>
<p>The origin of the jack-o-lantern is from northern Europe – specifically Ireland and Scotland – where the turnip was carved instead of a pumpkin. The carved pumpkin is a tradition that began after immigrants came to United States.</p>
<p>Historically, the turnip was a very popular root cellar vegetable as it was easily stored for long periods and provided good nutrients during the cold winter.</p>October 27, 2015 - 8:58amEbi Kondohttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/turnip-and-halloween-surprising-pairIt&#039;s never too early to discover the wonders of naturehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/its-never-too-early-discover-wonders-nature
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/childwithwateringcan.jpg" alt="Seedlings" title="Seedlings" width="240" height="360" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" />Calling all bug catching, dirt digging, flower watering, puddle jumping and bee buzzing toddlers! There are still spaces available in our Summer Seedlings classes. Seedlings classes offer our youngest visitors (ages 18 months to six years) the opportunity to explore, discover and create alongside their caregivers and peers in the safe and nurturing environment of the Mordecai Children’s Garden.</p>July 8, 2015 - 3:46pmJennifer Ackershttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/its-never-too-early-discover-wonders-natureMuseum Highlight: Key to Mosseshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/museum-highlight-key-mosses
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/moss_key_blog_1_sm.jpg" width="360" height="246" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />Before the internet and digital tools became intrinsic of everyday botany, scientists used tools like this punched-card key to identify Colorado mosses.</p>June 29, 2015 - 11:40amRick Levyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/museum-highlight-key-mossesFinding Humor in the Helen Fowler Libraryhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/finding-humor-helen-fowler-library
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/large_monkey_wrench.jpg" alt="Monkey Wrench Gang Book Cover" width="180" height="180" style="float: left; margin: 8px;" />The Helen Fowler Library and Archives is the largest horticultural library in the Rocky Mountain region. Here you can find over 20,000 titles related to plants, including (but not limited to!) agriculture, botanical art, ecology, sustainability and landscaping. The library also has an excellent collection of world floras, from Iran to Patagonia, and a wonderful section on alpine gardening.</p>June 15, 2015 - 5:00pmRory O'Connor-Walstonhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/finding-humor-helen-fowler-libraryThe Shop at the Gardens Father’s Day Gift Guidehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/shop-gardens-father%25E2%2580%2599s-day-gift-guide
<p>Father’s Day is just around the corner and the Shop at the Gardens has some great gift ideas for the dad(s) in your life. Don’t forget Gardens members receive 10% off all purchases. The Shop is open daily, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (last entry to the Gardens is 8 p.m.) You don’t need to pay admission to visit the Shop.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/coffee_blog.jpg" alt="Diversity Coffee" width="161" height="200" /> <img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/big_ass_soap_blog.jpg" alt="Duke Cannon soaps" width="214" height="200" /></p>June 12, 2015 - 11:34amSean Mahoneyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/shop-gardens-father%E2%80%99s-day-gift-guideGardening with Native Plantshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/gardening-native-plants
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/medium_native_plants.jpg" alt="chatfield native plants" width="120" height="120" style="margin: 8px; float: left;" />We read disturbing news everyday about the fate of our honeybees and the demise of the iconic Monarch butterfly. It’s enough to make any dedicated gardener feel helpless! But there is something we can do to help solve the problem.</p>June 3, 2015 - 12:59pmFeatured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/gardening-native-plantsMeet Your Local Medicinal Plantshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/meet-your-local-medicinal-plants
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/small_taraxacum_fwr_f.jpg" alt="medicinal" width="90" height="90" style="margin: 8px; float: left;" />Did you know that many of the plants growing right around you have medicinal properties? From weeds like dandelion and mullein to natives growing in the nearby hills like willow and arnica, as well as culinary garden plants like thyme, lavender and sage. You are surrounded by nature’s pharmacy! All of these and so many more are easy to find, grow, preserve and use. </p>May 13, 2015 - 2:58pmFeatured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/meet-your-local-medicinal-plantsGardens&#039; Internship Programhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/gardens-internship-program
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/interns_working-in-the-water-gardens1.jpg" alt="Interns working in the Water Gardens" width="210" height="210" style="float: right; margin: 6px;" />The whirlwind of spring activities is well underway here at the Gardens but in a few weeks fresh energy in the form of our class of summer horticulture interns will be adding to the mix.</p>April 29, 2015 - 3:37pmAnn Montaguehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/gardens-internship-programCactus and Succulent Extravaganzahttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/cactus-and-succulent-extravaganza
<p><img alt="Delo firespinner" src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/delosperma_fire_spinner_dsc05330_-_copy.jpg" style="height:218px; width:360px" title="Delo firespinner" /><em>Delosperma</em> Fire Spinner</p>March 26, 2015 - 11:14amPanayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/cactus-and-succulent-extravaganzaLiterature of the Land Book Club: Spring 2015http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/literature-land-book-club-spring-2015
<p><span style="font-size: 13.0080003738403px; line-height: 1.538em;"><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/sting_4.jpg" alt="A Sting in the Tale Cover" width="198" height="275" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />I am pleased to announce the spring 2015 session of Literature of the Land, a book club series hosted by the Helen Fowler Library. We’ll read three books over three months, focusing on a specific topic of interest.</span></p>March 24, 2015 - 3:32pmRory O'Connor-Walstonhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/literature-land-book-club-spring-2015Nettled by iris...http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/nettled-iris
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dsc00811_-_copy_0.jpg" alt="Iris 'Lady Beatrix Stanley'" title="Iris 'Lady Beatrix Stanley'" width="360" height="277" /> Iris 'Lady Beatrix Stanley'</p>March 17, 2015 - 12:43pmPanayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/nettled-irisPlanning an event? We can host it! http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/planning-event-we-can-host-it
<p>Looking to host a great party but not sure what kind? <a href="http://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/private-events-york-street">Denver Botanic Gardens is a great place with many options!</a></p>
<p>We host: </p>March 4, 2015 - 1:21pmSpecial Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/planning-event-we-can-host-itSalvia Mundi: &#039;Sage&#039; advice for youhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/salvia-mundi-sage-advice-you
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/salvia_indica_dsc05065_-_copy.jpg" alt="Salvia indica" title="Salvia indica" width="360" height="263" /><em>Salvia indica</em></p>
<p>The first salvia to bloom at Denver Botanic Gardens every spring is actually from Western Asia and Turkey rather than India as the name would imply. It shows one extreme of the range of form the genus can display. Now look below at a Western American gem:</p>March 3, 2015 - 3:00pmPanayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/salvia-mundi-sage-advice-youBook Review: &quot;The Forgotten Garden&quot;http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/book-review-forgotten-garden
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/forgotten_garden_0.jpg" alt="The Forgotten Garden Cover" width="265" height="400" style="margin: 1px 6px; float: left;" /><em>The Forgotten Garden</em> is an ambitious tale spanning five generations of women. Beginning in Australia, the story opens with a lost little girl who has no idea who she is or where she came from. The only clue to her origins is a charming book of fairy tales found amongst her belongings. Years later, Nell journeys to the opposite side of the globe in search of her identity.</p>March 1, 2015 - 5:03pmRory O'Connor-Walstonhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/book-review-forgotten-gardenTrees MATTER!http://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/trees-matter
<p><img src="http://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/blog-photos/juniperus_excelsa_-_copy_0.jpg" alt="Jun exc" title="Jun exc" width="242" height="360" /> Juniperus excelsa</p>
<p>Photo: taken mid-September, 2001 above treeline in the Pakistan Himalaya. Notice this rugged, treeline behemoth was cut for firewood. It is sadly emblematic of how we humans have taken an enormous toll on forests worldwide, not just in nature, but in our cities where tree longevity due to pollution, vandalism, disease and just plain complacence has left our urban forest canopy in tatters.</p>February 26, 2015 - 2:59pmPanayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/trees-matter